The Bible makes that clear in passages like John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4-5, 1 John 4:9-11.

And in spite of your sinfulness, He desires that you be reconciled back to Him (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19), so that you might enjoy a relationship with Him in this life and throughout eternity. He has made a way for this to happen through Jesus' death on the cross in your place for your sins.

If you would like to have your sins forgiven, and receive the free gift (Romans 6:23) of everlasting life (John 6:47), we urge you to...

1. Acknowledge to God that you have sinned against Him.

The Bible makes it clear that all of us have sinned against God in a variety of ways. The Bible summarizes mankind's condition with the words "all have sinned" (Romans 3:23). The apostle John said, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves" (1 John 1:8). The first step to experience God's forgiveness and have your relationship restored with Him is to acknowledge (or confess) your sinfulness to Him. If you believe you are basically a "good person" who is not desperately in need of God's forgiveness, click here on our "Good Person Test"(Spanish).

2. Believe Jesus died on the cross for your sins.

Jesus paid the penalty for your sins. When He hung there on that cruel Roman cross, He was hanging there taking the punishment that you deserved for your sins. He was absorbing the judgment you deserved so that you could be forgiven. And He did that freely out of His great love for you. He rose from the grave three days later, appeared for forty days giving evidence to hundreds of people that He was alive, then ascended victoriously up into heaven (Acts 1). Today, He offers all who will put their faith in Him, forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The Bible says, "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved" (Romans 10:9). Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Do you believe? Genuine faith in Jesus will result in something the Bible calls repentance (step 3).

3. Repent. Turn away from your sinful way of life to follow Jesus.

The Bible says, "God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness" (Acts 17:30-31). Genuine repentance is a change of mind that is so complete that it leads to a change of life.

If you will call upon Jesus (Romans 10:13), trusting in Him to save your soul, God will forgive you, declare you righteous in His sight (Romans 5:1, 9), and give you the "free gift" (Romans 6:23) of everlasting life in His kingdom. So what will it be? Do you want to know God? Do you want to experience the kind of life He designed for you to live? Do you want to have your sins forgiven? Do you want to spend eternity with God when you die? You can have your sins forgiven right now and begin experiencing a relationship with God today.

Pray something like this:

"God, I confess that I am a sinner. I realize that I need Your forgiveness. I believe that You, Jesus, paid the price for my sins on the cross. I believe You rose from the dead and want to have a relationship with me. Thank You. Come into my life. Forgive me of all my sins. Be my Lord, be my God. I want to turn away from my sins and begin to follow You. Help me to do that. Change me. Empower me with Your Holy Spirit to live my life for You. Amen."

If you prayed that prayer with a sincere heart, you have begun a relationship with Jesus Christ, and God has forgiven you of your sins (1 John 5:13).

To grow in your relationship with God, we encourage you to...

A. Begin reading through the New Testament.

Get a good "study Bible" with helpful notes in it that will explain the historical context, meaning of passages, etc. Here is one we recommend and another.

B. Start talking (praying) to God.

He loves you and wants to have a relationship with you.

C. Begin going to a church that teaches through the Bible

and where the people love to worship the Lord. Check out their "Doctrinal Statement" or "Beliefs" on their website. The church should hold to doctrines very similar to ours, which are held widely by Christian churches all over the world. If they have a new believer's class, sign up to attend. Please steer clear of Mormon ("Latter Day Saints") and Jehovah Witness churches. These groups claim to be Christian, but they teach many things contrary to the Bible.

D. Make friendswith other Christians

who can encourage you and be a blessing to you in your new relationship with Jesus. If you have friends or family members who are Christians, call or email them and let them know of the decision you have made. They will rejoice and be praying for you. And let us know as well!